LL Cool J, London, September, 1986

The black-and-white grain gives it that raw 1986 feel, and his pose with the casual streetwear really pops against the plain backdrop. It's hanging above my record shelf now and every guest asks where I found it.

I hung this in my hallway and the contrast in the black-and-white print is way sharper than I expected. His stance alone sells that mid-80s hip-hop confidence. It's easily the best piece of wall art I've bought this year.

The graininess of the black-and-white film gives it this raw 1986 feel that a glossy reprint just wouldn't have. Hung it above my turntable and the dynamic pose pulls the whole corner together.